To detect an elevated level of ammonia in the blood that may be caused by severe liver disease, kidney failure, or certain rare genetic urea cycle disorders.

Synonyms (Also knowns as)

Ammonia

Specimen Type and Minimal Volume

Plasma : 0.3 mL
Plasma: Lithium Heparin or EDTA

Forms

Not required

Test Equipment

Siemens, Dimension RXL Max

Test Method

Glutamate dehydrogenase

Reference Range

11 – 32 micromol/l

Include Test

N/A

Reporting Time (Turn Around Time; TAT)

5 hrs

Clinical Information

Ammonia is a waste product formed primarily by bacteria in the intestines during the digestion of protein. If not processed and cleared from the body appropriately, excess ammonia can accumulate in the blood. This test measures the amount of ammonia in the blood.